Just one year after signing star starting pitcher Zack Wheeler to a five-year, $118 million free-agent contract, the Philadelphia Phillies are reportedly open to trading him this offseason.
The Phillies were financially hamstrung by the COVID-19-affected 2020 season, which saw them lose $145 million according to sources near the organization.
It was also yet another disappointing season on the field for Philadelphia, as the 2008 World Series champions missed the playoffs for the ninth consecutive season despite a strong roster featuring superstars like Bryce Harper and JT Realmuto.
Dealing Wheeler, who was very good in 2020, posting a 4-2 record with a 2.92 ERA and 53 strikeouts in 71 innings pitched, could be a way for the team to start sizing down financially in an attempt to make up for some of their lost revenue last season.
A move for Wheeler, who is owed $94.4 million over the remaining four years of his contract, could net the Phillies a nice prospect or two but would undoubtedly hurt their chances of competing in the short-term.
There are likely to be many teams interested in the big righty’s services, and if the Phillies are serious about reducing their payroll, letting Wheeler go could make financial sense for them.
